Quick Links

Pantheon Second Gameplay Stream Overview

Hey guys, I went ahead and compiled all the important info from the second gameplay stream down and talk about it for roughly 30 minutes. Hope you all enjoyed the stream as much as I did, I was stoked to talk about Panth again after the long downtime between the previous stream and this one.

EDIT: I got a request from a viewer asking for a written version of the video. I will go ahead and provide all my notes below for those who cant view the video to pour over, or who wants to use it as a reference guide to whats talked about in the video and follow along with the points.

Pantheon stream 12/9/16

Graphics

Much updating done to character
models, Landscapes look amazing.

Cities LOOK HUGE!

Draw Distance is incredible. Can
see players at dungeon start looking from hundreds of feet in the air.

UI Mods CONFIRMED - *nothing
involving scripting*.

Races

Gnomes: look incredible – Very
steampunk/scifi with ethereal bodies – Obsession with arcane and arcane
knowledge. “Delved too deeply into arcane knowledge, Found relic that was so
powerful that killed half the gnomes. Life Energy is contained inside
technology. Body Glows on the ground.

“Isolated enigmatic, very
peaceful.” – they made Gnomes badass.

Ogre: looks BIG AND BRUTISH AND
UGLY.

Archai: very BROKEN living feel to
them - look awesome.

Races/Classes will be locked to
certain ones.

Races
will have specific abilities for their race.

Coldark Dwarves have frost resist.

Servers

Will have a PVP server at launch.

Will have a “Free” Server where you
can play to level 5-10 for free.

Grouping

Group Size of 6 – confirmed.

Raid sized not confirmed.

Crafting

Initial plan is that you can craft
and level without fighting.

Player
driven crafting Adventurers/Crafters Support each other.

Customization will be limited, no
“Purple Mithril Armor”.

Fishing will be in.

Mounts

Mounts at higher levels ONLY.

Seafearing vessels planned for
later on in development.

Perception System

Embrace or Disregard Mechanic for
Quest Givers

Perception Pings – Two Types

Passive: Insight

Active: Investigate

NPC’s will talk to you, the
environment engages YOU!

Quests/Dungeons

Keepers Tome: Writes down all quest
dialogue .

You can pick up quests at different
times, like middle of the series.

Class Specific epic quests.

Certain Area’s only accessible by
quest lines. Key is given and you put it straight in your inventory.

*Amber Fate – underground ice area.
One of the most gorgeous looking areas of any MMO I’ve seen. Slippery floors.
You feel cold just looking at the area. High-Tier Frigid environment. Sprawling
area’s with bridges and lots of chasms. IS HUGE!

Acclimation – weather for different
areas.

Atmospheres: Need “Ring of Anchors”
to make it through hostile atmosphere.

Wow this is exactly like a trip down to Everquest it's eerie how alike the game is. Even the equipment window is reminiscent.

From the "Ding" when you level to the UI it's very EQ. In my opinion Pantheon is going to be what EQ2 should have been. I feel even more strongly about that statement than I do saying it about Vanguard.

There are a lot of things I'm excited about with Pantheon. I'm really digging the climate system - it seems that it will help bring a sense of adventure and exploration when you need to acclimate to an area or carry around heavy clocks and such to survive in cold areas and other extreme conditions. As long as it doesn't feel gimmicky, like I fear the atmosphere mechanic will ultimately be.

There are so many much needed 'back to the basics' features they are implementing that it actually looks like an MMORPG, certainly one worth playing. Looking forward to the next stream!

The game is looking good graphically no problem there.I still have some fears that the game will be too much like EQ1,a game design i no longer like.I couldn't get enough out of the stream,they are bad at relaying information during a stream,example i did not want to hear player introductions for 5 minutes.

I have no doubt what so ever,the main premise purpose of the game will be solid,my fear are smaller things that i feel strongly about.

ALTS alts alts,i can't stand that design idea that SOE went with.Another is i did not see the players missing ever,i only saw a few misses by the mob.Another idea i felt SOE did not do well enough is the various TYPES of damage,that aspect always seemed like a shallow idea that was never done well enough.

It kind of bothers me that games continue to put those colored rings around the target,that ruins immersion for me,why is there a ring,it is not realistic looking.I would definitely prefer to see the red circle ring taken out.

I also got no indication of TEAMWORK,SOE always made group play feel like a bunch of single players under a group banner.One example is the Rogue,he does his special things but always alone,backstab alone with no other player alignment,stealth again to backstab alone.I am sure there is likely a cover mechanic for the tank but maybe not?I want to see group play enforced,player alignments,actions that work together.As to pet classes,i also want to see that done way better than in previous EQ games.Example 3 types of pets for each level,dps,tank and various.

They talk about day n Night,i would also like to see weather effects and perhaps mobs that only come out at night/day and mobs that have varied abilities during day n night.

I feel it is a HUGE mistake to go for pvp,i am sure that helped make Wow a bigger game but imo it takes staff resources to work on pvp and balance and i HATE balance in a TEAMWORK mmorpg.There is no reason to ever have balance but pvp MUST have balance ,so it is a contradictory design.

None the less it is looking good,i hope the game turns out to be better than EQ1 weak points ,i don't want another EQ1.

Never forget 3 mile Island and never trust a government official or company spokesman.

The game is looking good graphically no problem there.I still have some fears that the game will be too much like EQ1,a game design i no longer like.I couldn't get enough out of the stream,they are bad at relaying information during a stream,example i did not want to hear player introductions for 5 minutes.

I have no doubt what so ever,the main premise purpose of the game will be solid,my fear are smaller things that i feel strongly about.

ALTS alts alts,i can't stand that design idea that SOE went with.Another is i did not see the players missing ever,i only saw a few misses by the mob.Another idea i felt SOE did not do well enough is the various TYPES of damage,that aspect always seemed like a shallow idea that was never done well enough.

It kind of bothers me that games continue to put those colored rings around the target,that ruins immersion for me,why is there a ring,it is not realistic looking.I would definitely prefer to see the red circle ring taken out.

I also got no indication of TEAMWORK,SOE always made group play feel like a bunch of single players under a group banner.One example is the Rogue,he does his special things but always alone,backstab alone with no other player alignment,stealth again to backstab alone.I am sure there is likely a cover mechanic for the tank but maybe not?I want to see group play enforced,player alignments,actions that work together.As to pet classes,i also want to see that done way better than in previous EQ games.Example 3 types of pets for each level,dps,tank and various.

They talk about day n Night,i would also like to see weather effects and perhaps mobs that only come out at night/day and mobs that have varied abilities during day n night.

I feel it is a HUGE mistake to go for pvp,i am sure that helped make Wow a bigger game but imo it takes staff resources to work on pvp and balance and i HATE balance in a TEAMWORK mmorpg.There is no reason to ever have balance but pvp MUST have balance ,so it is a contradictory design.

None the less it is looking good,i hope the game turns out to be better than EQ1 weak points ,i don't want another EQ1.

I'm not sure we watched the same stream, but they provide a good amount of information for a game that isn't even in Alpha. It's obvious that it's hard for them to comment on things that haven't been fully fleshed out without us referring to that moment as a definitive answer, but from my prospective they are doing a hell of a job.

Most of your concerns are actually covered within the streams they have already done. As for Pantheon being very similar to EQ - well, that's kind of the point. They are taking pages from a great book, but they're still adding their own as well. Just like the day/night spawns you mentioned, that's a page from EQ that has long been forgotten.

Something that makes me respect the hell out of these guys is the fact that they're not trying to cater to the masses by watering down their own game with the fluff we have come to expect from every modern day MMORPG. For example, they could easily add a costume shop for those that like to play dress up - but instead they want your appearance to be a shrine of accolades, as it should be. I honestly believe they are the only ones who understand that for every 'feature' you add, you potentially take away the importance of another one.

I do agree with PvP causing more important game designs taking a back seat during balancing; but what the hell do I know? I believe with the amount of competitive games out there and dedicated PvP MMOs currently out or due out in the near future, they're spinning their wheels focusing on PvP at all. The payoff will most likely not reflect the effort.

OMG that is so EQ . Did you guys read the information on how the creatures responding ,dying and so on it is exactly like EQ. Okay calming down but the fact that it is so much like EQ with better graphics is the exact reason I'm interested . I mean that is what any EQ lover wants and yes what we wanted in EQ next.

I'd say there are people out there that will play this game for the exact reason others won't but if they are happy with a devoted but smaller player base, then I will buy this when it comes out.

There will be allot of people that wont like this game, allot of them, but that's by design. This is without question not a we made an MMO for ever MMO player out there game. That's basically whats wrong with MMO's today. Nor do I like most modern MMO systems, combat flash and geographic design in general.

I agree with Wiz on this one. I like the nod to the classic but to game in the 21st century I expect to have 21st conventions. If this game sits squarely in the 20th century then I may just pass.

Avoiding modern conventions is why Pantheon even has a fan base. What conventions are you referring to exactly? Other than cash shops, quest hubs and solo game-play.

I disagree that avoiding modern conventions is why it has a fan base. I believe that is one of the reasons. Not the only one. Brad McQ also has a following all on his own and mainly for creating worlds that feel organic and immersive and not just set pieces. PvP has no place in a game like this and I feel that is a bad move on the developers part. Target rings are last gen and can stay there in my opinion. Modern conventions could include location based damage. Attack the arm the arm becomes unusable,for example. Could include physics in the game and elemental actions like Project Gorgon uses. Could include Spellcrafting instead of just 'DING' and get the next 'rung on the ladder' spells and abilities.A.I. that is dynamic and eliminate the pattern walkers that most games have.Weather that affects gameplay like fire spells not working in the rain. Frost spells getting a proc when in snow areas. This is almost 2017 and we are looking forward to games that play like they were made 15 to 20 years ago? Sad state for the genre indeed.

I agree with Wiz on this one. I like the nod to the classic but to game in the 21st century I expect to have 21st conventions. If this game sits squarely in the 20th century then I may just pass.

Avoiding modern conventions is why Pantheon even has a fan base. What conventions are you referring to exactly? Other than cash shops, quest hubs and solo game-play.

I disagree that avoiding modern conventions is why it has a fan base. I believe that is one of the reasons. Not the only one. Brad McQ also has a following all on his own and mainly for creating worlds that feel organic and immersive and not just set pieces. PvP has no place in a game like this and I feel that is a bad move on the developers part. Target rings are last gen and can stay there in my opinion. Modern conventions could include location based damage. Attack the arm the arm becomes unusable,for example. Could include physics in the game and elemental actions like Project Gorgon uses. Could include Spellcrafting instead of just 'DING' and get the next 'rung on the ladder' spells and abilities.A.I. that is dynamic and eliminate the pattern walkers that most games have.Weather that affects gameplay like fire spells not working in the rain. Frost spells getting a proc when in snow areas. This is almost 2017 and we are looking forward to games that play like they were made 15 to 20 years ago? Sad state for the genre indeed.

Location based damage for an MMORPG is not conventional. I can think of only a few that have done that and none of them are modern. Spellcrafting is far from modern, hell Bethesda scrapped that in their games long ago, so essentially you are calling for something old, just like we are - not modern or conventional. AI is something I agree with; who wouldn't want good AI? Unfortunately, the only team who were going to take on such a huge task went tits up (EQ Next), so this is far from conventional. Weather/climate will effect game play, as to the extent I'm not sure we know yet, but a "magical" fireball being extinguished by rain is complete bullshit - I'm a wizard, not a dude lighting a paper ball with my zippo and throwing at some other dude - that's gimmicky.

This is a largely crowdfunded team that is ignoring these 'modern' and 'conventional' approaches, shame on them, but yet when a AAA studio re-hashes the same shit with a different name, it's golden.

Lastly, yes the genre is in a sad state - that's why Pantheon has fans. Not liking the idea behind Pantheon is one thing, but you're reaching for reasons.

I agree with Wiz on this one. I like the nod to the classic but to game in the 21st century I expect to have 21st conventions. If this game sits squarely in the 20th century then I may just pass.

Avoiding modern conventions is why Pantheon even has a fan base. What conventions are you referring to exactly? Other than cash shops, quest hubs and solo game-play.

I disagree that avoiding modern conventions is why it has a fan base. I believe that is one of the reasons. Not the only one. Brad McQ also has a following all on his own and mainly for creating worlds that feel organic and immersive and not just set pieces. PvP has no place in a game like this and I feel that is a bad move on the developers part. Target rings are last gen and can stay there in my opinion. Modern conventions could include location based damage. Attack the arm the arm becomes unusable,for example. Could include physics in the game and elemental actions like Project Gorgon uses. Could include Spellcrafting instead of just 'DING' and get the next 'rung on the ladder' spells and abilities.A.I. that is dynamic and eliminate the pattern walkers that most games have.Weather that affects gameplay like fire spells not working in the rain. Frost spells getting a proc when in snow areas. This is almost 2017 and we are looking forward to games that play like they were made 15 to 20 years ago? Sad state for the genre indeed.

Location based damage for an MMORPG is not conventional. I can think of only a few that have done that and none of them are modern. Spellcrafting is far from modern, hell Bethesda scrapped that in their games long ago, so essentially you are calling for something old, just like we are - not modern or conventional. AI is something I agree with; who wouldn't want good AI? Unfortunately, the only team who were going to take on such a huge task went tits up (EQ Next), so this is far from conventional. Weather/climate will effect game play, as to the extent I'm not sure we know yet, but a "magical" fireball being extinguished by rain is complete bullshit - I'm a wizard, not a dude lighting a paper ball with my zippo and throwing at some other dude - that's gimmicky.

This is a largely crowdfunded team that is ignoring these 'modern' and 'conventional' approaches, shame on them, but yet when a AAA studio re-hashes the same shit with a different name, it's golden.

Lastly, yes the genre is in a sad state - that's why Pantheon has fans. Not liking the idea behind Pantheon is one thing, but you're reaching for reasons.

I'm not reaching for anything other than an infusion of new ideas into a stale genre

거북이는 목을 내밀 때 안 움직입니다

I'm not reaching for anything other than an infusion of new ideas into a stale genre

Well, what about the climbing, climate, atmosphere and perception system? They are doing a lot of things that no one else is, things we haven't seen before. While they may be staying true to the things that made this genre, Brad has said several times that this will not be just another EQ.

Pantheon does not appear to offer too much more than EQ,AC,DAoC,FFXI or Project Gorgon offer right now. (Even less so actually)So unless the game turns out to be "OMG Awesome Sauce!!!" as it is? It looks kind of boring to me. I am not in my teens or 20's (or even my 30s) anymore. I don't have time for hours and hours of gameplay at a time to do a dungeon or quest chain. I like my gaming in doses. As that is what my life allows for now. (Other than games I am working on, but that is work not for fun) To each their own I hope the game is a success for those who are looking forward to it. I am just waiting for the genre to move forward not backward. I am very curious how Amazon Studios is going to change up the archaic MMO formula with New World. Or the game 'Identity' is bring a modern flair to the sandbox experience. Because to me the same old tab target,class based system, elves and orcs gaming in MMOs is very very tired. The same old same old is the reason I believe the genre has stagnated over the last few years and continues to do so. New and fresh approach to an old tired genre. Read my article I posted yesterday with FFXIV's director talking about the state of the genre

거북이는 목을 내밀 때 안 움직입니다

I'm not reaching for anything other than an infusion of new ideas into a stale genre

Well, what about the climbing, climate, atmosphere and perception system? They are doing a lot of things that no one else is, things we haven't seen before. While they may be staying true to the things that made this genre, Brad has said several times that this will not be just another EQ.

Even though I would be completely fine with a new EQ.

Climbing? Like in EQ2 or Conan or ArcheAge or Black Desert or Bless? Even Neverwinter I believe. Perception like in D&D Online? Climate like Project Gorgon being made by 3 people?

거북이는 목을 내밀 때 안 움직입니다

I'm not reaching for anything other than an infusion of new ideas into a stale genre

Well, what about the climbing, climate, atmosphere and perception system? They are doing a lot of things that no one else is, things we haven't seen before. While they may be staying true to the things that made this genre, Brad has said several times that this will not be just another EQ.

Even though I would be completely fine with a new EQ.

Climbing? Like in EQ2 or Conan or ArcheAge or Black Desert or Bless? Even Neverwinter I believe. Perception like in D&D Online? Climate like Project Gorgon being made by 3 people?

I'm not reaching for anything other than an infusion of new ideas into a stale genre

Well, what about the climbing, climate, atmosphere and perception system? They are doing a lot of things that no one else is, things we haven't seen before. While they may be staying true to the things that made this genre, Brad has said several times that this will not be just another EQ.

Even though I would be completely fine with a new EQ.

Climbing? Like in EQ2 or Conan or ArcheAge or Black Desert or Bless? Even Neverwinter I believe. Perception like in D&D Online? Climate like Project Gorgon being made by 3 people?

Hmmm...

I suppose so.

I'm not saying that Pantheon is not going to be a solid game. I am not working on it so I do not know. All I am saying is I just do not see enough fresh infused ideas to make the game a standout from games currently available other than perhaps a new graphical sheen. Which, using Unity, even that is in question. I wish the team well but forums are for discussion both positive and negative and the grey inbetween.

거북이는 목을 내밀 때 안 움직입니다

I agree with Wiz on this one. I like the nod to the classic but to game in the 21st century I expect to have 21st conventions. If this game sits squarely in the 20th century then I may just pass.

Avoiding modern conventions is why Pantheon even has a fan base. What conventions are you referring to exactly? Other than cash shops, quest hubs and solo game-play.

I disagree that avoiding modern conventions is why it has a fan base. I believe that is one of the reasons. Not the only one. Brad McQ also has a following all on his own and mainly for creating worlds that feel organic and immersive and not just set pieces. 1. PvP has no place in a game like this and I feel that is a bad move on the developers part. Target rings are last gen and can stay there in my opinion. Modern conventions could include location based damage. Attack the arm the arm becomes unusable,for example. 2. Could include physics in the game and elemental actions like Project Gorgon uses. Could include Spellcrafting instead of just 'DING' and get the next 'rung on the ladder' spells and abilities.3. A.I. that is dynamic and eliminate the pattern walkers that most games have.4. Weather that affects gameplay like fire spells not working in the rain. Frost spells getting a proc when in snow areas. This is almost 2017 and we are looking forward to games that play like they were made 15 to 20 years ago? Sad state for the genre indeed.

Hey BlueTurtle, so im not sure if you got a chance to watch the stream or my video but I highly recommend checking out either for more info - based off a few points you stated here. Allow me to elucidate.

1. PVP is being done as a separate server - it is in no associated with the core game, but they understand people do have an interest in this type of gameplay and will have an option to chose a PVP server at launch.

2. Physics are def in the game right now, even in a pre-alpha capacity - and most certainty have mechanics in place relating to different elements. They have necromancers that can knock back enemies or force them to go off route (disrupt walking), frozen caverns where players can slip across the floor as they run causing them to go off balance. (Ill talk a bit more about this in point 4)

3. While I cant speak to what the future holds for Dynamic AI - I was personally impressed by the perception system and the world reacting to you rather than the other way around. It was nice to see a player walking idley by an NPC and having them initiate the dialogue and not the other way around (at the players consent of course). There is definitely some groundwork here to go beyond just simply talking to NPC to grab a quest and that's it.

4. Going off of point 2 - They already have in place certain areas where they have for example a "Frigid" Acclimation. This means if you go into a snow mountain, you will want to bring spells to counter the constant cold of the area. Coldark Dwarves get an automatic bonus resist against cold, so they can survive easier in these climates but others will need a form of heat distriubtion through spells or what have you, armor, to get through with business as usual.

My favorite example of this was actually found in the final area they travelled to in the stream known as Amber Fate - Where the players stumbled upon a giant forge buried in the top of the vertical dungeon.

The Forge is used by an NPC Master Smith, and there is a physical (You can see the acclimation's in the form of an aura around the area) area around the forge where it is so Hot that if anyone was to go down and try and use the forge without proper protection they will quickly die from the environment.

So then they put forth the idea that if you got special armor to block the heat, and began doing quests and talking with this smith, you could eventually develop a relationship with him and be allowed access to his forge, which can be used to make special materials.

That right there is what makes Pantheon so great in my eyes, is the forethought of "Emergent Gameplay", thats a Feature (yes a feature) that I have absolutely missed in MMO's for some time, and its one the major reasons im so excited for Pantheon.

Anyways, I respect your opinion either way, and if this game isnt for you I completely understand, I just wanted to explain that some features your looking for or interested in, are in the game right now in a Raw Pre-alpha state.